It seems that at one point or another, everyone has tried some sort of diet out there. There are so many to choose from – Paleo, Atkins, South Beach, Vegan, Vegetarian, Keto, Gluten Free, The Blood Type Diet, Weight Watchers…the list goes on and on.
The problem with traditional “dieting” is that we are all uniquely different. This concept is referred to as bio-individuality. While one person may thrive on a particular diet, another person may feel sick, have low energy, and experience a host of other issues directly correlated to the foods they are consuming.
We all want to look and feel our best, but it can be challenging and very confusing to determine what dietary lifestyle to follow when so many of the popular diets out there contradict each other.
The best diet for you will depend on many factors. Your age, gender, ancestry, activity level, food sensitivities or allergies, and your specific DNA make up all play a role in determining what should be on your plate.
First, determine why you want to change your diet. Do you want to lose weight? Do you suspect food sensitivities? Are you often tired or run down? Are you experiencing break outs and/or other skin issues? These questions will help determine a starting point. For instance, I find that eliminating dairy dramatically improved my skin, and the elimination of gluten put a stop to my bloat and stomach discomfort.
To figure out what lifestyle will best suit your individual needs, experiment with different ways of eating. In the beginning, it may be helpful to simply eat more vegetables and fruits, less meat, dairy, and sugar, and limit your consumption of alcohol and caffeine.
Remember, these things take time. Be patient with your body, and listen closely to what it is telling you. No one knows you like you do. You are your own best advocate for feeling well and living your best life.
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